Q: How should misoprostol be used for safe abortion before 12 weeks of pregnancy?
Up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, a person needs a total of 2400 mcg of misoprostol. This is 12 pills of 200 micrograms each (or 24 pills of 100 micrograms each). These pills are taken in three doses of 800 mcg each (4 pills each time).
Step 1
A person should put 4 pills of 200 mcgs (or 8 pills of 100 mcgs) of misoprostol under the tongue and keep them there for at least 30 minutes, or until the tablets are dissolved. They can swallow their saliva, but NOT the pills. After 30 minutes, they can swallow what remains of the pills.
Step 2
After 3 hours, they should put another 4 pills of 200 mcgs (or 8 pills of 100 mcgs) of misoprostol under the tongue and keep them there for at least 30 minutes, or until the tablets are dissolved.
Step 3
After another 3 hours have passed, they should place the last 4 pills of 200 mcgs (or 8 pills of 100 mcgs) under the tongue and keep them there for at least 30 minutes, or until the tablets are dissolved.
In between the doses of misoprostol, a person can eat and drink normally, but they should not drink alcohol, as it is important to pay attention to what is happening.
The success rate of using misoprostol alone is approximately 85-95%. This means that out of every 10 people who use misoprostol correctly, 8 or 9 will successfully have a safe abortion using this procedure.
IMPORTANT: If a person is taking mifepristone plus misoprostol, the pills are used differently. Please read the appropriate FAQ.
